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Road Closures & Track Conditions- 20th November
Australia
Border Update -
Closed to international visitors (ex New Zealand) |
Australia’s borders are closed. Only Australian citizens, residents and immediate family members can travel to Australia. |
Restrictions on New Zealand visitors |
New Zealand visitors (from non-hotspot regions) are permitted to travel to Australia without requiring quarantine except if they are visiting Queensland and WA. |
For more information refer to: https://www.health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert/coronavirus-covid-19-restrictions/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-for-international-travellers
La Nina -
The Bureau of Meteorology announced the beginning of a La Niña on the 29th September, which most likely means a wet spring and summer period for eastern and northern regions.
La Niña is a recurring event in our weather cycle, not to be confused with the warmer El Niño, that operates over periods of one to eight years. It manifests when strong equatorial trade winds change ocean currents, drawing cool water up to the surface in parts of the Pacific Ocean, resulting in a pile up of warm surface water east of Australia. This leads to a boost in convection that has a pronounced effect on the global climate.
Every La Niña event is different, but according to the BOM this time Australia is likely to see:
- More rainfall in Eastern, Central, and Northern Australia
- Decreased daytime temperatures south of the tropics
- More tropical cyclones
- Increased chance of widespread flooding
- Longer, less intense heat waves in south east of Australia
- Earlier First Rains across Northern Australia
- Less risk of fires in areas that receive more rainfall
Northern Territory
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
All arrivals to the Northern Territory must complete 14 days of supervised quarantine at your own expense, if you have recently been in an active declared COVID-19 hot spot (currently Melbourne Metro and South Australia). No quarantine required for the rest of Australia and NZ (from non-hotspot areas) |
No internal travel restrictions |
There are no internal restrictions although any non-residents wanting to go into a remote community must still follow all the requirements of land councils and local communities, including checking if you need a land council permit to go there. |
For more information refer to: https://coronavirus.nt.gov.au/travel/quarantine
Regional Update -
Temperatures gradually increasing again in the south with the slight chance of showers and storms near the NT/WA border as another trough develops over WA. A ridge will strengthen along the Queensland coast during the week and direct drier air into the Arnhem District, which will contract showers and storms to the western Top End.
With La Niña conditions, the weather is looking wetter than average over the next couple of months.
Sturtvale - Pine valley - Flooding easing but road is closed due to flood damage.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Western Australia
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
From Saturday, 14 November, WA will change its border policy. Every state and territory in Australia will need to record a 14-day rolling average of less than 5 community cases per day of COVID-19 for Western Australia’s new controlled interstate border arrangement to be introduced. Very low risk states and territories (No community cases in 28 days)
Low risk states and territories (Less than 5 community cases per day on a 14-day rolling average)
currently includes NSW and VIC. - Currently includes SA - Must not enter WA unless exempted. - Must quarantine for 14 days, unless exempted. |
Internal travel restrictions |
Travel is now permitted throughout all regions within WA, except for entry into remote Aboriginal communities. |
For more information refer to: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-travel-wa
Regional Update -
- Kimberley:
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- A broad trough lies from the Kimberley to the North Interior and to the inland Pilbara.
- Showers/thunderstorms expected throughout the week.
- Broome - Cape Leveque Rd, from Manari Rd to Beagle Bay - Sealing works (Updated:18/11/20).
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- Pilbara:
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- A broad trough lies from the Kimberley to the North Interior and to the inland Pilbara.
- Showers/thunderstorms expected throughout the week.
- North West Coastal Hwy, Karratha - Sherlock River Bridge - Maintenance - Approach Slab and Guardrail works - 90 km east of Karratha.
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- South West WA:
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- A deep trough lying through central and southeasterly parts of the State is moving eastwards ahead of a weak cold front that will cross the far southwest of the State today. A weak ridge will develop near the south coast on Thursday before another broad trough develops through central parts of the State on Friday and Saturday.
- Quite extensive road works being undertaken on the South Coast Highway over October and November.
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View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
South Australia
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
Travellers from Victoria are not permitted to enter SA. No restrictions on other Australian travellers and those from NZ (who haven't been in a COVID-19 hotspot area). SA and Victorian cross-border community members will be able to travel within a 70 km border zone, without needing a reason to do so. Also Victorians looking to relocate to South Australia permanently or for work purposes, providing criteria around accommodation and/or employment in SA can be met can enter but must quarantine for 14 days. Vic border restrictions are being eased on 1 December. |
No Internal travel restrictions |
Travel within South Australia is unrestricted. People are free to visit regional areas. |
For more information refer to: https://www.covid-19.sa.gov.au/restrictions-and-responsibilities/travel-restrictions
La Niña -
More rainfall during spring and summer, wetter soils and an increased chance of flash floods. Reduced bushfire risk with reduced extreme heat waves. More rainfall expected in the north/central areas of South Australia.
Regional Update -
- A trough of low pressure will move across the far west on Wednesday then over remaining districts on Thursday. Another trough will move across the State during the weekend.
- Birdsville Inside Track Closed due to flooding (updated: 18/11/20).
- Far North East of SA, Floods closures reopened.
- Road Works: Road Sealing - Strzelecki Track (472km). The SA government will seal the first 50-kilometres, Starting just north of Lyndhurst (until late 2021).
- Closed Tracks due to rain - Coongie Track to Malkumba-Coongie Lakes National Park, 15 Mile Track, Mereenie Loop, Kings Marker, Ski Beach Campground, Wills Grave, Minke Waterhole Campground, Old Strzelecki Track (on Innamincka Regional Reserve only), Bore Track North.
- Bore Track South – Closed until further notice.
- Walker Crossing Public Access Route.
- Open to 4WD - Cullyamurra Waterhole, Burke’s Grave, Queerbidie, Policemans.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Victoria
Border Update -
No Interstate Restrictions |
There are no border closures with any other state or territory. |
No Internal Travel Restrictions |
Stage Three restrictions in place but the internal travel restrictions between Melbourne Metro and Regional Victoria have been lifted. |
For more information refer to: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/victorias-restriction-levels-covid-19
La Niña -
More rainfall during spring and summer, wetter soils and an increased chance of flash floods. Reduced bushfire risk with reduced extreme heat waves.
Regional Update -
- Mount Buffalo NP: Most tracks have reopened. Including: Lake Catani Access Rd.
- High Country: Seasonal Closures in place. Re openings to take place on 29/10/20 and 30/11/20.
- A high pressure system will reach the Tasman Sea today as a low pressure trough crosses the Bight. The trough is expected to reach western Victoria later on Thursday then clear to the east of the State on Friday as another high over the Southern Ocean moves towards Tasmania. This high will move over the Tasman Sea on Saturday, extending a ridge to the south of the State as another trough forms over South Australia.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Tasmania
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
People travelling from all states (plus NZ) except Victoria will be able to travel to Tasmania without being required to quarantine. The Tasmanian Government will review on 27 Nov and has flagged 1 Dec as a possible opening date for the border with Victoria but this may be brought forward if case numbers remain low. |
No internal travel restrictions |
No restrictions on internal state travel. |
For more information refer to: https://coronavirus.tas.gov.au/travellers-and-visitors/coming-to-tasmania
La Niña -
More rainfall during spring and summer, wetter soils and an increased chance of flash floods. Reduced bushfire risk with reduced extreme heat waves.
Regional Update -
- A high to the northeast of Tasmania will slowly drift over the Tasman Sea today, directing a northerly flow over the state. The stream will tend northeasterly during Thursday as a low and associated cold front moves over the far northwest of the state late evening. This system will cross Tasmania early Friday before moving away to the southeast, resulting in a fresh southerly change. A trough and low will linger about the north, while a high approaches from the west, then passes over southern Tasmania early Saturday. The high will then drift eastwards, extending a ridge south of the state.
- Upgrading the Bruny Island Ferry Terminals. Construction of a second ferry berth to take place Sep 20 - Mar 21.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
New South Wales/ ACT
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
NSW has temporarily imposed border restrictions with Victoria. The NSW government has announced to reopen the border with VIC on 23 Nov. Currently, only persons authorised under the public health order may enter NSW if they have been in Victoria in the last 14 days. Note there are special exemptions for NSW/VIC border residents. No quarantine required for the rest of Australia and NZ (from non-hotspot areas). |
No internal travel restrictions |
There is currently no limit on the distance that a person may travel, however NSW Health recommends non-essential domestic travel should be avoided. |
For more information refer to: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/what-you-can-and-cant-do-under-rules/border-restrictions
La Niña -
More rainfall during spring and summer, wetter soils and an increased chance of flash floods. Reduced bushfire risk with reduced extreme heat waves.
More rainfall expected in most of New South Wales.
Regional Update -
- A high pressure system moving over the Tasman Sea during Wednesday extends a ridge along the coast. Heat is forecast to build across the inland during the second half of the week, as the high moves further east. The next trough to affect New South Wales is expected to reach the west and south during Friday.
- Cameron Corner: Omicron to Cameron Corner - Flooding expected.
- Broken Hill To Menindee: Tandou Rd/Old Pooncarie Rd - Adverse weather forecast (updated: 18/11/20).
- Tibooburra to Wompah Gate, Silver City Highway: Adverse Weather. (Updated: 18.11.2020).
- High Country: Seasonal Closures in place.
- Sturt National Park: Toona Gate Road is open with caution to 4WD's only.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
Queensland
Border Update -
Interstate Restrictions |
QLD has temporarily imposed border restrictions with Victoria, 32 NSW Local Government Area (Greater Sydney) and 20 SA Local Government Area (Greater Adelaide). An improved Queensland Border Declaration Pass system will be in place from 2-Nov-20. Note there are special exemptions for QLD/NSW border residents. No quarantine required for the rest of Australia. |
No internal travel restrictions |
You can travel anywhere in Queensland for any reason. There is no limit on distance. You can stay overnight anywhere in Queensland for as many nights as you like. |
For more information refer to: https://www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/health-alerts/coronavirus-covid-19/current-status/public-health-directions/border-restrictions
La Niña -
More tropical Cyclones than normal. Prepare earlier - Rain expected a month earlier, more than 70% chance of above-average rainfall and increased flood risk.
Regional Update -
- A high in the Tasman Sea, strengthens a ridge along the east coast. A trough extends across the state from the northwest into the central parts, the coastal portion of this trough and an associated southeasterly wind change will move northwards along the east coast, reaching the Central Coast by Thursday. The inland portion of the trough will weaken and drift westwards back into the southwest of the state by the end of the week.
- Cape York: Kennedy Developmental Road - The Lynd to Hughenden upgrade underway (Updated: 18/11/20).
- Gregory Developmental Road: Pavement Repair, Greenvale / Southern Cross, Works both directions Until mid Dec (Updated: 18/11/20).
- Fraser Island:
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- Ungowa boat ramp is closed to all vessels, vehicles and pedestrians.
- Lake Wabby scenic drive impassable to Pile Valley road (Until: 01.01.2021).
- Lake Garawongera scenic drive impassable to Poyungan road (Until: 01.01.2021).
- Temporary closure of Beach camping zone 4 (Guluri, Eli) and 5 (Maheno, Wahba) due to increased wongari (dingo) activity (Until: 30.11.2020).
- Central Station Redevelopment - Planned upgrade Central Station Cottage and Museum (Until: 31.10.2020).
- South West QLD : Coorabulka Road, Diamantina Developmental Road, Davenport Road, Innamincka Road, closed due to Heavy rains/Flooding (Updated:18/11/20).
- Slashers Creek Road, (East of Boulia) has reopened.
View the live interactive Road Conditions Map HERE
For more state by state travel information head over to our Travel Information Hub.
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